Choosing the Right Countertop Stone for Your Bathroom

Posted on July 16, 2019July 16, 2021

As we all know, new bathroom countertops are beautiful, update the room and add value to your home. But when choosing the right countertop material for your bathroom, there a few things to consider. After all, this countertop will endure a lot – from humidity and moisture, to the normal, everyday wear of your routine. That is why it is important to choose a material that can withstand these conditions and will look great for a long time.

If you are remodeling your bathroom, you have a plethora of countertop options to choose from. Here are our top recommendations for bathroom countertops that will, not only add a touch of elegance to your home, but will give you a great return on your investment.

Quartz
Quartz is a high-quality material made up of 95% natural stone mixed with resins, polymers and binders. It is completely nonporous, making it resistant to water and stains – perfect for a bathroom! Quartz can handle humidity, preventing the growth of mold or bacteria on your countertop surface. It is also low maintenance, easy to clean and does not require a top sealant.

Granite
Granite is the number one material for countertops. And it for good reason. Granite has a hardness index close to a diamond! Granite, like quartz, is stain and water resistant. It is important to apply a sealant to your granite countertop, to ensure that it stays nonporous and resistant to moisture and stains.

Marble
Marble is elegant and incredibly durable. This natural stone comes in an endless variety of colors and patterns. Marble is a softer stone than granite and it is porous. To make sure that it holds up in a bathroom and stays looking great, it needs to be sealed every year or two.

With a stone yard fully stocked with the most beautiful and exotic countertop stone options, C and C Stoneworks is your go-to for any bathroom remodel. We will help you find just the right option for you and your home’s décor and create and install your new countertop with precision. Contact us or visit our location today. Your new bathroom masterpiece awaits!

How to Create a Family-Friendly Kitchen

Posted on June 19, 2019July 16, 2021

If you are building a new home or thinking of a remodel, we know that functionality is a top priority – especially if you have a large family or small children. Your design plans require special attention to ensure that the space is family-friendly and welcoming. At C and C Stoneworks, we’ve worked with many families to create both beautiful and functional spaces.

We all know, especially in eastern North Carolina, that the kitchen is the heart of the home, which naturally means it is the busiest room of the house. So, when considering design elements, we have a few tips that will make your space flow much better – and save parents from a little stress.

1. Open Floor Plan
Not only does an open floor plan make your kitchen look bigger, it also allows whoever is preparing meals to feel like they are a part of the action happening in the living or dining area. We know that parents of small children appreciate this layout too, so that they can keep an eye on their little ones playing in the next room.

2. Kitchen Island
Kitchen islands are so wonderful and versatile. They can be used for additional seating, prepping meals, homework, crafts or just hanging out before dinner. Adding a kitchen island not only gives you a very useful surface, but also a beautiful design element to your space. The countertop and/or cabinetry you choose to use on your island can be contrasting or complementing to the rest of your kitchen, depending on the look you are going for! Both are trending right now and real attention-getters!

3. Fuss-Free Countertops
Low maintenance, easy-to-live with countertops are a must for families. You need something that is durable, fingerprint resistant and easy to clean. Trust us! Quartz countertops are a great choice, as they are heavy-duty and non-porous, meaning they are unlikely to stain. Quartz is available in countless colors and patterns, so you won’t have to sacrifice style for function. Granite is also a great option but does require regular sealing to keep it in excellent condition.

4. Kid-Friendly Countertop Corners
This is an important one! Sharp countertop corners seem to just be a magnet for little heads. We highly recommend that if you have small children running around at home, to consider a rounded countertop corner. Not only is it classic, it can help save you from drying a few tears.

Are you looking for a family-friendly kitchen design? C and C Stoneworks is here to help! We work with each family individually to create a space that, is not only beautiful but, works for everyone in the home! Contact us today!

Creative Ways to Use Granite in Your Home

Posted on April 18, 2019July 16, 2021

As we’ve said in many of our previous blogs, granite is the most popular material for kitchen countertops. Here at C and C Stoneworks, we don’t think the eye-catching beauty of granite should be limited just to countertops though! It’s naturally beautiful and incredibly durable, making it the perfect stone to incorporate into other areas of your home as well. Here are 5 ways to use granite in your home – that are not on a kitchen countertop.

Backsplash – Granite is just as functional for a backsplash as it is for a countertop. A custom-fabricated granite backsplash is the perfect choice to create a cohesive look in your kitchen. You can go with a complimenting or contrasting design to give your kitchen the look you desire.
Floor Tile – Granite floor tiles are available in many different designs, colors and patterns and can give a very attractive look to your home. Granite flooring is durable, long lasting and resistant to scratching and staining. Not to mention, it can increase the overall value of your property!
Fireplace – Granite is a great stone to use on fireplaces. It is extremely durable and can handle the heat. A granite fireplace surround can easily dress up any plain or outdated fireplace.
Sinks – Think outside of the porcelain, stainless steel or glass box when it comes to sinks. The trendiest new material for sinks is, you guessed it, granite! Granite sinks are made from granite dust and resins that are molded into an eye-catching, heat and scratch resistant sink. When coordinated with your countertops, using granite for your kitchen sink can create a beautiful and seamless look.
Tabletops and Desks – By using granite, you can create a sophisticated and low-maintenance dining room table that matches your kitchen countertops. Another idea is to use granite as a top for the built-in desk in your home.

Are you inspired? Do you have new ideas of how to incorporate granite into your home?

Contact C and C Stoneworks in Greenville, NC today! Our talented fabricators can help make your dreams come true!

Quartz: What You Should Know

Posted on March 5, 2019July 16, 2021

Last month we featured what everyone should know about marble when choosing to use it in their home – this month its quartz’s turn!

Quartz Isn’t 100% Natural Stone
You may have read that and got a bad taste in your mouth. However, the fact that quartz isn’t a natural stone isn’t a bad thing! Quartz is an engineered material created with approximately 95% ground natural quartz and 5% polymer resins. The resins help make this countertop material stain and scratch resistant – and non-porous, so they never have to be sealed. Although they are engineered, they come in many different patterns, colors, and finishes making them almost indistinguishable from natural stones like granite and marble. Therefore, quartz can suit every style and design – from streamlined modern and relaxed farmhouse to earthy and traditional.

Great Option For People Who Want Low Maintenance Countertops
A common request we hear is for a white stone that has the look of marble but without the amount of maintenance. Quartz is a great option for this! Made from one of the hardest materials on earth, quartz is one of the most durable options for kitchen countertop. As we mentioned before, unlike granite or marble, its non-porous surface means it never has to be sealed. Surface stains can often simply be removed with a gentle cleaner and the only daily upkeep needed is a quick wipe down with soapy water! Quartz is also antimicrobial because the polymer resins block odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew from penetrating the surface!

There Are A Few Things Quartz Can’t Handle
Quartz countertops are only heat and scorch resistant up to a certain point. A sudden change in countertop temperature or sustained heat from a hot pot or pan can crack the surface. To stay on the safe side, be sure to always use a hot pad. It is also not recommended to use quartz for outdoor projects as the sun can cause the colors to fade and the countertop to warp over time.

Where You Buy Quartz Matters
You may be tempted to go to a big box retailer or home improvement store to pick out your quartz countertop. But, by doing this, you are significantly limiting your options as they usually have a much smaller selection to choose from. And, odds are you will get a less-skilled contractor handling the installation. Instead, visit C and C Stoneworks in Greenville, NC! You will have the opportunity to see many whole slabs of quartz and won’t have to make a decision based off of a small sample. You will also have the guarantee of an experienced stone countertop fabricator and installer. Since we’ve been in business for many years and have completed countless projects, we can even show you our work to help you make a decision that is perfect for your home’s countertops!

If you’re in eastern North Carolina and are considering quartz countertops, contact C and C Stoneworks today!

Why Granite Countertop Should Start with the Slab

Posted on January 14, 2019July 16, 2021

As we all know, granite has been one of the most popular countertop materials for many years now – and for good reason! Granite countertops are beautiful, easy to maintain, durable and can last forever with proper care and maintenance. Considering your granite countertops are going to be with you for quite a while and are usually the main focal point of any space, wouldn’t you want to be able to select the exact countertop stone that will be installed? At C and C Stoneworks in Greenville, NC, we always suggest going directly to the slab when deciding on your perfect countertop – here’s a few reasons why!

You Get to See the Big Picture

Tiny samples of granite can be a great starting point to narrow down your preferences, but you need to choose from full slabs when you make your final decision. When you choose the actual slab, you can see what the overall color and pattern looks like – because granite is made by nature and no two slabs are alike. Many times, a slab of granite will have secondary and tertiary colors that are not obvious until you see the whole piece. Will the beautiful swirls and veining in a particular slab of granite match your décor plan? Seeing the “big picture” will help you with your design choices too!

You Will Learn Not All Stones Are Equal

Even if you get the same type of granite as a sample you saw, remember not all stones are created equally. What we are getting at is that just because you loved the 12” x 12” sample you saw at the big box dealer, doesn’t mean the countertop as a whole will be what you imagined. Much of the appeal of granite to many people are the “beauty marks” made by nature. However, there are some granite stones with unflattering patterns and/or flaws. If you only see a small sample, how do you know what the rest of it will look like?

You Can See Many Options

Another advantage of going directly to the slab when choosing new countertops, is that by going to a stone yard you will be able to see many, many options. Once you decide on the perfect color and pattern for you, you will be able to inspect the individual slab. Like any other natural stone, granite is rarely consistent in design and you must be sure you like any changes in color or patina across the slab.

Once you’ve picked your perfect slab, C and C Stoneworks’ professional fabricators will convert it into your dream countertop. We guarantee maximum utilization of the slab and hide seams for a cohesive look across your countertop surface. Contact us today to visit our stone yard. Your perfect slab is waiting for you!

Slab of Sienna Beige at C and C Stoneworks Stone Yard

Tips for Matching Countertops and Cabinetry

Posted on December 27, 2018July 19, 2021

Christmas is over and the hustle and bustle of baking, cleaning and wrapping gifts is winding down. During the busy holiday season, chances are you entertained family and friends in your home, and chances are a lot of that time was spent in the kitchen. With so much time spent in the kitchen, you may have noticed that it does not look or function as well as it use too. With the new year approaching what better way to celebrate than with a kitchen upgrade?

New countertops and cabinetry can make the space feel bigger and work better for your family. You can add an island (which comes in mighty handy for holiday baking) or add more efficient cabinetry.
At C and C Stoneworks, we know all about kitchen remodels and drawing upon all of our experience we have put together tips for matching countertops and cabinetry to help you get started with your kitchen renovation.

The best thing you can do is to choose your countertop before you select your cabinetry. This is because the stone you choose, especially with granite and marble, will be completely unique and unchangeable. Granite color is made by nature, not in a factory, so no two slabs will ever be identical – while cabinetry can be changed with paints and stains to get the best possible match.
When it comes to matching countertops and cabinetry you have two options: contrasting or complementary. An example of contrasting is the classic dark and light kitchen, where we may see dark-stained cabinetry with white or light gray countertops. Complementary would be, for example, an all-white kitchen with white cabinets and white countertops. While this may sound monotone and boring, remember that light colored granite still has veins of different shades throughout that adds dimension and can be highlighted with accent pieces.This is a good time to think about your backsplash too. Do you want it to make a statement or fade into the background? Both are beautiful options, our experts can help you decide which is more your style.

Contrasting: Blue pearl granite countertops with ogee edges and white cabinetry.

Complementary: White cabinetry with light countertops and backsplash.

Once you decide on countertops and cabinetry colors, get a sample of each and take home. It is important to see them together in your own kitchen. Different lighting can bring out different colors and tones. Look at them at various times of the night and day to determine if it is just what you want.
One last tip. When deciding on your countertops and cabinets, finding the right stone and wood finish combination can be a little bit overwhelming. There are so many beautiful choices out there. The best way to make sure that you see your options is to work with a high-quality company, like C and C Stoneworks in Greenville, NC. We are able to offer you personalized service and take the time to help you see what options are best for your home, lifestyle and taste.

Are you in the market for new countertops? At C and C Stoneworks in Greenville, NC, we work with many different customers on many different types of projects. However, one thing that all customers should remember is: new countertops do not happen quickly. We take the time to make sure that each countertop is fabricated to the highest quality. Our attention to detail sets us apart from our competitors. Fabricating and installing countertops is an involved process. Depending on how busy we are when you decide to take on this exciting project, it could be up to 18 weeks from the time you have selected your slabs, signed the contract and made the deposit. Once you have signed the contract, you will be added to the schedule and we will install countertops in the order the contract was submitted. That is why you will want to get started on the process way BEFORE you are actually ready for the install. Quality fabricators are always BUSY (that is a good sign), but it means you have to be patient and trust your fabricator to get to you as fast as possible. The average wait is anywhere from 12 – 18 weeks.

Here are a few different scenarios that might occur depending on your situation, and a few tips to help you in the process:

NEW CONSTRUCTION: If you are in the process of new construction, then you will want to begin looking at countertop slab options during the early stages of construction. It will be very helpful to have a layout of the kitchen/bathrooms, along with rough measurements. The layout will allow the experts at C and C Stoneworks to estimate how many slabs you will need to provide an accurate cost, based on what you select. You will want to keep us updated on where you are in the building process so your slabs will be ready for install when your contractor says it is time.
REMODELING WITH NEW CABINETS: If you are remodeling a kitchen or bathroom and putting in new cabinetry, then you will want to begin looking at slabs immediately. A layout of the countertop area with measurements will allow us to estimate how many slabs you will need along with a cost based on the material you select. Because the process of getting countertops can be lengthy, you will need to get on the schedule as soon as possible. Otherwise, you will have cabinets being installed and no countertops to put on them. Planning ahead is critical to reduce the stress of remodeling.
REMODELING WITH EXISTING CABINETS: If you are remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, but are keeping your existing cabinets, you will want to begin looking at slabs as soon as you start thinking about the remodeling process. Providing a layout of the countertop area, with measurements, will allow the fabricators at C and C Stoneworks to estimate how many slabs you will need to provide an accurate cost, based on what you select. You should not remove your old countertops until it is time to install the new ones. The old countertops will be removed by the professionals at C and C Stoneworks on the day of installation.

Your Steps:

Make the decision to get new countertops
Reach out to C and C Stoneworks in Greenville, NC
Provide layout of countertop area with rough measurements
Select slabs (this can take days or weeks)
Get estimate
Select sink
Sign contract/pay deposit
Purchase faucets

Fabricator’s (C and C Stoneworks’) Steps:

Show customer slabs
Prepare estimate based on layout and slabs selected
Finalize contract
Put customer on schedule (12–18 weeks on average)
Prepare template at customer’s home (done couple of weeks before install)
Begin cutting stone (could take a couple of days)
Polishing of stone (could take a couple of days)
Schedule install date (will give customer a couple of days’ notice)
Haul slabs to install
Remove old countertops (unless it is new construction)
Install countertops
Install new sinks
Cut holes for faucets
Secure basic plumbing
Clean up from installation

Waiting is the difficult part; however, planning ahead can expedite the process. At C and C Stoneworks in Greenville, NC, we take the time to do things the right way. The difference between good countertops and great countertops is all in the details. If you’re thinking about new countertops, contact C and C Stoneworks today to get started on the process as soon possible! Not only will we install your countertops, we will also install sinks and faucets to help complete the remodel process.

MERCHANDISE

Category: Countertops